Automobili Lamborghini and Ducati, both corporate citizens of the city of Bologna in Italy, have teamed up to create the Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini motorcycle. Only a limited number of 630 units will be available, priced at not less than US$31,995 (around RM130,000).
Inspired by Lamborghini’s first hybrid supercar
The motorcycle possesses the common values of both brands – Italian excellence, sportiness, attention to design and a meticulous devotion to detail – with inspiration coming from the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37.
Based on the Diavel 1260 S, the concept of the Diavel Lamborghini transfers the core concepts of the Sian FKP 37 to the motorcycle world, redesigning the components that most characterize the Ducati model.
The new, lightweight forged wheels explicitly recall those of the car, as do the air intakes and radiator covers made of carbonfibre that suggest superimposed floating elements on the main structure of the bike. Finally, the typical Ducati red is referenced by the colouring of the Brembo brake calipers.
Each detail of the bike, redesigned by the Centro Stile Ducati for this specific project, is made of a light and precious material such as carbonfibre, also inspired by the car. In addition to the radiator covers and air intakes, the silencer cover, spoiler, central tank cover, seat cover, front and rear mudguards, dashboard cover and headlight frame are also made of the lightweight material.
Shared values in design and execution
“The Ducati Diavel inspired by the Lamborghini Sian celebrates our shared values: we are both Italian, we are inherently sporty, and our design always distinguishes our creations,” said Andrea Ferraresi, Director of Ducati Centro Stile. “The Diavel 1260 Lamborghini has been created by using the same design language that distinguishes the Sian FKP 37.”
The livery of the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini was conceived by the collaboration between the Centro Stile Ducati and Centro Stile Lamborghini. The paints applied to the bike are the same as those used for the Sian FKP 37, with the bodywork characterized by the Verde (Green) Gea colour, while the frame, undertray and forged rims are embellished with the Oro (Gold) Electrum colour.
The important Lamborghini design elements of the hexagon and ‘Y’ motif are evident. This special version of the Diavel pays homage to the former in the shape of the exhaust and the latter in the seat’s aesthetic details.
As for the number ‘63’, this is a special number for Lamborghini as it was founded in 1963, and the number that multiplied by ten arrives at the 630 numbered units to be produced by Ducati.
Click here to read about the Sian – Lamborghini’s first production hybrid super sportscar
Hand-sketched racing scenes on and in the car, diamond-cut aluminium and a reminiscence that have come true of Bugatti’s glorious Grand Prix days. These can be found on the Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’, which honours the brand’s famous racing drivers from the last century.
“Bugatti has had close associations with aviation since the company was established more than 110 years ago. Many successful Bugatti racing drivers, such as Albert Divo, Robert Benoist and Bartolomeo ‘Meo’ Costantini, flew for the French Air Force, the French aviator legend Roland Garros privately drove a Bugatti Type 18 to be as fast on the road as in the air,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “It is therefore almost an obligation for us today to pay tribute to the legends of that time and dedicate a special edition to them.”
The ‘Daredevils’ who raced the car
Ettore Bugatti admired the fearless character and technical expertise of his drivers who were fascinated by high speeds – and also mastered them. On the road, the racing drivers benefited from the experience gained in aircraft cockpits. Known as the ‘Daredevils’, many of them were former flying aces, daredevils, technically skilled pilots who flew without fear.
They in turn admired Ettore Bugatti for his talent as an engineer and were fascinated by his agile, light and speedy cars, embodying on the road what their planes were in the sky. Roland Garros even called him the ‘incomparable artist who alone knows, how to give life to steel’.
The company’s founder was always inspired by aviation. Sometime around 1915, he personally designed aircraft engines and from 1937, he also developed an entire aircraft intended to break speed records. The project was stopped because of the outbreak of the Second World War, but Bugatti kept in close personal contact with the pilots throughout his life.
The ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ edition
These legends of aviation are honoured with the ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ edition, based on the Chiron Sport and limited to 20 cars. The new edition references many features of the historic aircraft in which Bugatti pilots flew. In addition to the unusual colour of the paintwork, each car comes with a special full leather interior with hand-drawn sketches and diamond-cut aluminium.
A striking feature of the Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ is its special, matt-grey ‘Gris Serpent’ paintwork. This is, a modern interpretation of the exterior colour of the aircraft from the 1920s. On the extending rear spoiler is a high-contrast, white gloss centre stripe.
The front wings are adorned with the ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ logo. The ‘Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge’ tricolour in Blue, White and Red decorates the front area of the side sills made of exposed black carbonfibre.
The horseshoe-shaped radiator grille also has a black gloss finish. The radiator grille mesh is made of laser-cut and deep-drawn aluminium, on which the dynamic pattern of the stitched seams is repeated on the leather seats, reminiscent of planes flying in formation in an air parade.
The door entry lights project the edition logo onto the ground when the doors are opened. The door sills are made of brushed aluminium with the special edition logo on the middle console inlays. The W16 engine cover is made of black exposed carbonfibre and the lightweight components are contrasted by white lettering. Black exposed carbonfibre and a black-coated exhaust trim cover made of 3D printed, high-temperature-resistant Inconel dominate the rear.
Interior almost completely in leather
The interior also visually evokes aircraft from the past century. Fine ‘Gaucho’ leather for the entire cabin, the light brown colour reminiscent of natural leather in those aircraft of days gone by. The natural material is contrasted only by aluminium trim.
As would be expected, each car will have special edition numbering ‘1 of 20’. Customers can also specify comfort seats and the ‘Sky View’ glass roof to look into the sky like in open-top aircraft of the past century.
On the door panels there is a hand-sketched racing scene between the Nieuport 17 aircraft and a Bugatti Type 13, which symbolizes the two souls honoured by the edition. The Type 13 is a very special model in Bugatti’s 110-year history as it was the first model to bear the name ‘Bugatti’.
Capable of more than 420 km/h
The Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ has the standard W16 engine with a displacement of 8 litres. Delivering up to 1,500 ps/1,600 Nm, its maximum speed is somewhere beyond 420 km/h but limited to that speed.
Bugatti will start production of the special edition towards the end of 2020. In the meantime, if you are keen to own one of the 20 units, the price starts from 2.88 million euros (around RM14 million).
When Rolls-Royce introduced its Cullinan, it seemed to signify the end of the journey of the SUV from being a spartan workhorse to a luxurious off-road limousine. That it has been selling in large numbers is evidence that even in the uppermost levels of the market, there is demand for SUVs.
This probably encouraged Aznom, an Italian company which started business in 2006, to produce a super luxurious SUV. Its automotive business unit has been offering customized version of production cars and manufacturing of one-off vehicles and limited editions, so a SUV was well within its capability.
Artisanal manufacturing techniques
“We have produced this vehicle choosing artisanal manufacturing techniques that are almost lost today, such as panel beating and handcrafting the body of the car, together with other technological solutions,” said Aznom’s founder Marcello Meregalli. “Our engine builders, tanners, panel beaters, designers and engineers are all heirs to a tradition that has made Italian cars famous all around the world”.
Now Aznom has created a luxurious model – the Palladium – with off-road capability to cater to an exclusive niche. Described as a ‘hyper-limousine’ that follows the traditional characteristics of great luxury sedans, it is designed and will be manufactured in Italy. The Palladium will be handmade, with only 10 units on the production schedule. These will be tailor-made for each client who has a wide range of customization options.
Inspired by RAM-based model
The Palladium is a large vehicle, measuring nearly 2 metres in height and almost 6 metres in length. It is engineered to travel over any type of terrain with an all-wheel drive system and a 5.7-litre biturbo engine capable of delivering more than 700 bhp/950 Nm (a mild hybrid powertrain can also be installed).
Inspiration for the Palladium goes back to the Atulux which was created in 2018. This was a luxury sedan based on the American RAM pick-up. Thought the Atulux looked like the RAM externally, it was totally different inside with high-end design and reclining seats ‘business class’ style.
The Atulux
“In truth, I’ve always been passionate about large automobiles,” said Meregalli, “Like the huge American sedans manufactured from the Thirties to the beginning of the Seventies. Or the incredible Rolls-Royce and Bentleys of those periods. I’ve always been fascinated by big vehicles; I liked the super large bonnets and the imposing stance of those cars.”
“I thought about creating something similar for a long time and I even considered a ‘resto-mod’ operation on a vintage Rolls-Royce. Then, in 2008, Cadillac unveiled the new presidential limousine for President Obama. This was not a stretched vehicle, but it had been built with different proportions. Starting from a mega-SUV, Cadillac had built a luxury sedan, big and imposing but with the proportions of a classic sedan,” he explained.
Unique design for access to rear cargo area.
That particular Cadillac gave the final push to an idea Meregalli had since even before the Atulux – of a car completely manufactured by his company, both outside and inside. “I can say today that we pushed that idea even further, conceiving a vehicle that can take its owner wherever. It is a true extra-luxurious limousine that is also able to trek the desert and this is why our Palladium is so unique!”.
Meregalli wanted to have an off-road vehicle personally too as his other business dealing with wine required him to often visit remote farms and vineyards. “In those situations, a 4×4 off-road vehicle is truly necessary. And how many times have I seen sedans stuck on the road to ski towns in the winter … the car that I had in mind had to be beautiful, luxurious, comfortable … but also unstoppable!” he said.
Limited production of 10 units
The Palladium project started two years back and as there are only 10 buyers, the company has been in the process of establishing a close relationship with those few special customers.
“With the Palladium, we have tried to bring together our entire experience of 15 years in order to create a really unique vehicle,” said Matteo Bertanelli, Project Manager Palladium. “To work on the body, we have paired handmade techniques to innovative technologies. We have used panel beating, an artisanal method that comes directly from historic coachbuilders, when men would beat the body panels by hand directly on wooden molds … but also hi-tech solutions like precision molding and working with carbonfibre.”
Most of the car’s main body is made of high resistance steel with only certain details made of aluminium to reduce weight. The bonnet and roof are carbonfibre while both forward and rear bumpers are made of composite materials. On the rear section of the chassis frame, the engineers have built a steel cage that helps improve torsional stiffness.
Extensive attention to cabin design
The styling responsibility was handled by Studio CAMAL in Torino, and as would be expected, the interior has received much attention to the tiniest of details. A large rear seat, not unlike a throne, gives ample comfortable space to the passengers while hidden drawers and compartments offer all sorts of amenities. The air-conditioning functions with two entirely separate and independent systems so that the back passengers can choose a completely different setting and temperature from the front.
The standard specs of the Palladium start with Foglizzo leather throughout (ceiling included). The seats, which have a custom pattern, incorporate large headrests designed with the same philosophy as the rear recliner. The door panel and the dashboard follow the pattern of materials and colours used in the upholstery, bright and dark leather spaced out by wooden parts, everything enriched by solid aluminium details.
As in the very expensive limousines, there is an exclusive clock on the dashboard. Handmade from gold and palladium, it has the Palladium logo on its face. The clock can also be removed and become an elegant piece of home furniture.
Besides the Harman/Kardon sound system, there are two Microsoft Surface X PRO and Aznom is also providing owners of the Palladium with a full set of luggage pieces, manufactured with the same leather and stitching as the limousine’s interior. A notable piece is the umbrella, signed by Francesco Maglia, historic company manufacturing umbrellas in Milan since 1854.
McLaren Automotive today unveiled the McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO (McLaren Special Operations), a celebration of the renewed relationship between McLaren and the Gulf Oil brand which existed 60 years ago. It’s another example of how designs from McLaren’s racing history are inspiring the brand’s modern-day customers.
The unique McLaren roadster in blue and orange Gulf colours will makes its world debut at Goodwood SpeedWeek, a ‘closed-door’ live broadcast event bringing together the past, present and future of motoring and motorsport at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in the UK.
New partnership with Gulf
McLaren and Gulf recently confirmed a new partnership that renews a historic union between the two brands that originated in the 1960s, a decade when both companies made their first forays into motorsport. Gulf branding appeared on McLaren’s Can-Am, Formula 1 and Indy cars from 1968 to 1973. Two decades later, McLaren F1 GTRs run by customer team GTC carried the famous Gulf livery in global GT racing, including at Le Mans.
McLaren F1 GTR in 1997
Under the new partnership, McLaren Automotive customers will have the opportunity to commission Gulf-liveried cars directly from MSO. These follow cars inspired by the famous livery designed and produced by MSO prior to the renewed relationship being agreed.
Most recently, a McLaren Senna GTR LM paying homage to the #24 McLaren F1 GTR that finished fourth in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race was completed as one of five MSO-designed customer cars celebrating the McLaren F1’s domination of that race.
2020 McLaren Senna F1 GTR LM Edition
“The McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO is a striking celebration of both McLaren’s history in sports car racing and our new partnership with Gulf Oil. McLaren Special Operations is committed to pushing the boundaries of the ‘art of the possible’ and projects like this showcase the increasingly extensive range of personalisation options we can offer customers – in this case, enhancing the authenticity of the livery by incorporating Gulf brand logos into the design,” said Ansar Ali, Managing Director of MSO.
McLaren Ultimate Series
The Elva, which follows the McLaren P1TM, McLaren Senna and Speedtail in McLaren’s Ultimate Series, links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recalls the McLaren-Elva sports racers of the 1960s. These were among the first sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company he founded, and the new Elva evokes the true spirit of driving enjoyment symbolised by this era.
In line with McLaren’s on-going commitment to super-lightweight engineering, the new Ultimate Series roadster retains the lightweight construction philosophy of its forebear and is at the cutting-edge of automotive technology.
The body design of the screenless, roofless Elva, for example, incorporates an innovative Active Air Management System that creates a virtual canopy over the seamlessly-integrated cockpit. It is powered by an 815 PS/800 Nm 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
Only 149 units
With deliveries of the Elva commencing this year, MSO has already completed the specification of the first cars and is well-advanced in discussions with customers to create further dramatic paintwork and liveries. Just 149 examples of the Ultimate Series roadster will be available to customer order, making it one of the rarest McLarens ever produced.
For those who want a rare collectible version of the new Bentley Bentayga V8, the First Edition is now available in Malaysia. With a selection of Bentley options included, the First Edition is priced from RM935,000 (excluding taxes and insurance), a difference of RM191,900 from the base price of the standard price of the latest Bentayga.
Top specs for limited run
The First Edition is a limited run so only a certain number will be available to each market. Each SUV comes with Bentley Dynamic Ride (and active roll control system), Touring Specification as well as Mulliner Driving Specification. This specification includes 22-inch black-painted and directional alloy wheels and sports pedals.
With the new Bentayga, the interior has undergone revisions that include a new centre fascia and steering wheels, door trims and seats (which are also now available with ventilation at the rear of the 5-seat option). There’s also up to 100 mm more legroom for rear occupants, depending on the configuration.
First Edition buyers can choose from a wide range of leather upholstery and wood veneers, allowing the unique contrasted stitching on the diamond quality areas to stand out. There’s First Edition badging around the vehicle and customers can also ask for the words or the Bentley wings to be embroidered on the seats.
Revised exclusive interior
The latest hardware and software includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside the existing wired system, for connectivity flexibility. Rear seat occupants can enjoy journeys with a large touchscreen remote control tablet, similar to that introduced in the latest Flying Spur.
The exclusive nature of the First Edition is complemented by the best audio system available from Bentley – Naim for Bentley. This 1,780W system specially customized for the Bentayga comes with 20 speakers and 8 listening modes, ranging from Digital Media to Classic.
The First Edition doesn’t come with a more powerful engine but the standard V8 performance should satisfy even the most demanding driver. The 4-litre 32-valve twin scroll turbocharged engine produces up to 550 ps/770 Nm that gives a claimed 0 to 100 km/h capability of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h. This output is intelligently distributed to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In the 1995 Le Mans 24-Hour race, two McLaren F1 GTRs finished 1st and 2nd, with three others finishing 4th, 5th and 13th. 25 years later, the company celebrates that victorious occasion with 5 customer-commissioned examples of the Senna GTR model.
A McLaren F1 GTR in the 1995 Le Mans.
Each car is finished in a unique hand-painted livery completed in more than 800 hours of painstaking craftsmanship. Every painted detail on the 5 cars was finished by hand at McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Special permissions were granted by brand owners such as Gulf and Harrods and by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (the Le Mans organiser) to recreate logos and trademarks.
The roof of each car even features an authentically recreated scrutineering sticker, which is the only piece of vinyl in the livery. Each car also comes with a ‘1 of 1’ dedication plaque featuring the VIN number of the car, with provenance details of its 1995 Le Mans F1 GTR ‘twin’ etched on the carbonfibre sill.
There’s also a more powerful engine which develops 845 ps/800 Nm, an increase of 20 ps over the 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the regular Senna GTR. Revised torque curve characteristics deliver more torque at lower revs and enable a redline set closer to 9,000 rpm than the ‘soft limit’ of 8,250 rpm.
OZ Racing, which supplied the wheels for the McLaren F1 GTR, created a bespoke, 5-spoke GTR LM wheel design. The brake calipers finished in satin gold are another nod to the F1 and the suspension wishbones are in an anodised version of the same colour.
In the cabin, the exclusive features include a racing steering wheel with anodised gold gearshift paddles and control buttons (in tribute to the McLaren F1’s gold-coloured gear linkage), and titanium nitride pedals with LM logos. The leather door-pull straps and lightweight carbonfibre racing seats are complemented by bespoke headrest embroidery and an MSO 6-point racing harness coloured black with body-colour pads.
“The incredible cars of the McLaren Senna GTR LM collection are an exceptionally fitting way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Le Mans victory in 1995,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive. “That achievement is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest endurance racing performances of all time, but for McLaren its importance was even greater because it demonstrated an immediate and undeniable connection between the racing DNA of our brand and the start of our road car journey.”
All five owners will have the opportunity in 2021 to participate in an unprecedented Le Mans circuit driving experience on the morning before the race starts, accompanied by the original F1 GTRs that competed in 1995.
Since being introduced in Malaysia in 2018, the MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports has been among the more popular variants in the MINI range sold locally. In fact, it accounted for 75% of total MINI deliveries in 2019.
For buyers who want something extra and different with their Countryman Sports and for these customers, MINI Malaysia now offered two limited-edition models. These are the Countryman Sports with Blackline Package and the Countryman Sports with Panoramic Sunroof.
The Countryman Sports with Blackline Package has a sportier and more stylistic appearance, featuring previously chromed elements such as the front grille and MINI emblems now in the elegant Piano Black offering.
Available in British Racing Green or Light White, both of which come with Black roofs, only 38 units will be available for the whole of Malaysia.
The Countryman Sports with Panoramic Sunroof lets the sky in during motoring, enhancing the sense of freedom.
MINI TwinPower Turbo
Both cars are powered by the same 2-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo engine which generates 192 ps/280Nm. This output reaches the front wheels through a 7-speed Dual Clutch Sports automatic transmission. Pedal to the floor, the 0 to 100 km/h time can be done in a claimed 7.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 225 km/h.
To improve fuel economy, there’s an engine start/stop function which activates when the car is going to idle for a while. It can automatically restart when it’s time to move off. Additionally, the coasting function in both the MID and GREEN driving modes also helps reduce fuel consumption as the drivetrain is decoupled upon deceleration.
Interior design language
The interior design language employs black as the dominant theme. Besides the Anthracite headliner, there are the Sport Seats upholstered in Cross Punch leather in Carbon Black. A touch of sophistication is offered via the new John Cooper Works Interior Surface in Piano Black.
For those who want high-quality music reproduction, the Countryman Sports comes with a Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System that has no less than 12 high-performance speakers. Enhancement comes from the 360W DSP Amplifier and Class-D technology.
The car also has a built-in 4G SIM card and owners can also connect their iPhone wirelessly and use the MINI Visual Boost to access numerous features on the phone with Apple CarPlay. Wireless Charging is also available for compatible smartphones.
The Countryman is the biggest MINI ever offered which mean it has more space within. The volume of cargo space is generous and with folding rear seats, it can be expanded as needed.
An 8.8-inch MINI Navigation System comes standard to provide route guidance. And with the latest MINI Connected, there is access to a wide range of digital services such as the Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI TeleServices and Remote Services.
What else an owner gets
As with other MINIs sold in Malaysia, there’s a 5-year Roadside Assistance programme with a comprehensive list of services. These include a 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200 kms from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services.
The Countryman Sports with Blackline Package is priced at RM243.280.38 while the Countryman Sports with Panoramic Sunroof is RM247,280.38 (both prices with Sales Tax exemption till the end of 2020 but without insurance).
For those who requiring financing for their purchase, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia offers schemes starting from RM2,778.00 per month, based on estimates of 80% loan on a 5-year tenure (terms and conditions apply).
Following the launch of the MINI Electric last month, MINI Malaysia now offers the First Edition and only 15 people in Malaysia will be able to own one. First Edition models are usually produced in limited runs and come with exclusive or unique features.
In the case of the MINI Electric First Edition, priced from RM238,380.78, there are bespoke side scuttles and door sills which identify each unit as ‘ONE OF FIFTEEN’. An all-new exterior colour, Yours Enigmatic Black, almost makes it debut with this special edition. 17-inch Power Spoke two-tone wheels come with run flat tyres.
MINI Yours appointments
The interior has MINI Yours Walknappa Leather Lounge Upholstery and Walknappa Leather-wrapped steering wheel. At night, the MINI Yours Illuminated Interior Surface lights up from a choice of 12 ambient light colours. Additionally, the Panorama Glass Roof enhances the sense of openness day or night.
ELECTRIC-specific features
The Electric version has its own specific features such as the Electric Cockpit Fascia, Electric Start/Stop button in Yellow, Electric velour floor mats, an electronic selector lever with Electric design, as well as the brake energy recuperation toggle. The driver can refer to the Head-Up Display or the Digital Instrument Cluster which displays key information like speed, range, state of charge of the battery.
The body colour features its front blade and aero-optimised mirror caps in Energetic Yellow. Alternatively, the First Edition is also available in the popular White Silver with Energetic Yellow accents. The roof for both exterior body colours will be available in black. It is equipped with the Lights Package which includes the Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights featuring the iconic Union Jack design to remind of its British heritage.
In place of an internal combustion engine is a synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group. The front-axle electric motor generates 135 kw/184 hp, drawing energy from a 12-module T-shaped battery pack with a net capacity of 28.9 kWh. Peak torque is 270 Nm which is available from the moment the car moves off, providing zippy performance with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds.
Up to 270 kms of range
With a single-speed transmission and integrated differential, the MINI Electric First Edition can reach a claimed maximum speed of 150 km/h and depending on driving conditions and style, travel for up to 270 kms on a fully-charged battery pack.
Recharging a fully empty battery pack requires approximately 36 minutes to reach 80% capacity when recharging at a DC charging station. Similarly, the MINI Wallbox Plus provides an 80% charge in just two and half hours. At home, recharging can be done in 12 hours using a household power supply. Of course, most owners would not run the battery till it’s completely empty so the actual time required may not be as long.
In its time, many variations of the Mini were created, providing simple and affordable transport. One variation, though not promoted as part of the Mini range, was the MOKE. Designed in the 1960s by Sir Alec Issigonis, the father of the original Mini, it shared components (suspension and chassis) with the Mini.
Perhaps it was not promoted commercially initially because it was first intended for military use. So it was engineered to be robust enough for deployment behind enemy lines after being transported by aeroplane. However, the armed forces found the small wheels and low ground clearance to be unsuitable in the sort of terrain they would operate in. Although its exceptionally light weight may have been advantageous on soft ground, it didn’t even have 4×4 to help it in more difficult areas.
The original Mini Moke was intended for military use but its small wheels and low clearance made it unsuitable.Instead of military use by soldiers, the Moke found popularity in resort areas and became a cult car like the dune buggy of the 1960s, used by the rich and beautiful.
A cult car of the 1960s
Instead, the MOKE, as it came to be known, was then promoted as a civilian vehicle and it became a cult car like the dune buggy of the 1960s. It was popular transport for the inhabitants of the most exclusive coastal resorts in Europe, the Caribbean, USA and Asia. Many are still in use up till today at seaside resort and recreational facilities.
Some 50,000 units were produced at factories in the UK (1964 – 1968), Australia (1966 – 1981) and Portugal (1980 – 1993). The final production in Portugal was done by Cagiva, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, which had acquired the ‘MOKE’ name.
The Moke has been sold all over the world, even in Malaysia, where this owner customised it with the ‘local look’.
Bringing back the MOKE
Now a company known as MOKE International Limited, which has owned the original ‘MOKE’ trademark since 2015, is offering – only to the UK market – a strictly limited run of 56 cars. The number has significance: it refers to the number of years since the original Mini MOKE was launched.
Customers have a choice of 14 body colours and the Limited Edition ‘MOKE 56’ comes with the front grille and windscreen rails in chrome, a discrete Union Jack badge on the front wings, and a numbered plaque on the bonnet. Indicative ex-factory pricing starts at £20,000 (about RM107,000) and the company says that interest is high from resorts and private buyers.
Modernised version
MOKE International will also be making the vehicles for the Caribbean market and will launch additional models across Europe, the USA and other markets in 2021. All MOKE bodies will be engineered and sub-assembled in Britain and then shipped to a factory in France for final assembly.
Naturally, the engineering has been updated to meet regulations that never existed in the 1960s. Besides a new 4-cylinder, EFI DOHC 1083 cc engine, there is uprated suspension, an updated brake system and the option for either automatic or manual transmission.
The modern MOKE is also slightly larger to provide more cabin space. Features previously viewed as a luxury like power steering and heated windscreen will come as standard.
Developed alongside the Lexus RC sports coupe, the RC F is one of the older models in the range, having been introduced 6 years ago. A more striking version of the RC, it has wider wheels and tyres, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and customers can also choose a carbonfibre bodyshell.
Only 60 units for sale
Its age has not diminished its appeal and for the 2021 model year, Lexus has created the limited RC F Fuji Speedway Edition. Paying homage to the track where the F brand began, the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition will be limited to just 60 units.
This limited edition embodies decades of development on the iconic track. Already having the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition shaves off some more weight. Installed in the car are Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes, a titanium exhaust and extensive use of carbonfibre aerodynamic elements.
Besides its GT3-inspired looks and a naturally aspirated 5-litre V8 producing 472 bhp/535 Nm, there are upgrades that are said to push its performance to a new level. The sum of the detailed enhancements is claimed to make possible a time of 3.96 seconds from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Lexus engineers worked with the RC F GT3 racing team to create a unique aerodynamics strategy that increases downforce for better grip and control. Even the airflow inside the wheel wells was carefully calculated. Air exits through the fenders, allowing the suspension to perform without disruptive air pressure, simultaneously enhancing handling and stability. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres also have a specially developed compound to maximize grip.
Two colour choices
Only two exterior colour choices are available – Arctic Blast Satin or Cloudburst Gray. Arctic Blast Satin – a Lexus-first – is a unique white paint possessing a semi-matte finish. The paint expresses a beautiful satin lustre like that of a true matte finish, yet is durable enough go through an automatic car-wash.
Inside, the cockpit has exclusive highlighting with Circuit Red leather-trimmed seats and Alcantara accents as well as red carbonfibre ornamentation.
Exclusive MSTR watch by Meister
Each owner of the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition will receive a limited production MSTR automatic movement watch. The timepiece, by Meister, features RC F-inspired elements such as a gunmetal bezel, red stitching on its band, and Fuji Speedway and F logos.
Opened in the early 1960s, the Fuji Speedway has hosted major motorsports events, including Formula 1. It has been owned by Toyota since 2000.
